Jonathan Brink (@jonathanbrink) offered some really interesting thoughts on “The Problem of Ordination.” Brink engages with N.T. Wright’s thoughts on the recent decision by Episcopalians to ordain homosexuals. Jonathan also posted a video called “The Good News According to Rob Bell.” I’m not a huge Rob Bell fan (even to the point where I find his speaking rhythm/cadence annoying!), but setting that — and some issues with his understanding of history — aside, I found this video to be full of some interesting insights. Eleven minutes is a bit long, but you can handle it!

Tony Jones discusses “shibboleths” and the fondness that Evangelicals hold for them in “Just Another Means of Division.” He shows that Evangelicals have jumped from the abortion debate to the gay marriage debate. Another interesting note is his insistence that Evanglicals, though clearly comprising a huge political bloc in the US, prefer to view themselves as an oppressed minority.

John Piper discusses 1 Thessalonians 5:8–10 and how it provided him with solace while he was dealing with some serious medical issues: “Biopsy Blows and the Helmet of Hope.” That’s pragmatic Christianity!